|
Pap tests: Most cases of cervical cancers are preventable, since they start with easily detectable precancerous changes. Therefore, the best prevention for cervical cancer is a regular Pap test. The American Cancer Society (ACS) revised its guidelines for regular screening in late 2002. Women should begin having Pap tests about three years after having sexual intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. Women should receive yearly Pap tests until age 30. Once a woman has had three normal results in a row, she may get screened every two to three years. A doctor may suggest more frequent screening if a woman is at risk for cervical cancer. Women who have HPV infections or who smoke have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Women who have had total hysterectomies that include the removal of the cervix and those older than 70 who have had three normal results generally do not need to continue having Pap tests under the new guidelines. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): Patients who are immunocompetent are less likely to acquire HPV. Therefore, it is recommended that HIV patients receive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to boost their immune systems. Vaccine (Gardasil ®): In June 2006, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first HPV vaccine called Gardasil ®. However, the safety and effectiveness of Gardasil ® in HIV–positive people have not been determined. The drug, developed by Merck & Co., Inc., is a recombinant vaccine (contains no live virus), and there is no chance that patients who receive the vaccine can become infected HPV. The vaccine is given as three injections over the course of six months. The vaccine is expected to prevent most cases of cervical cancer due to HPV types included in the vaccine. However, patients will not be protected if they have been infected with the HPV type(s) prior to vaccination, and the drug does not protect against less common types of HPV. Further research is necessary to determine whether the drug can safety and effectively prevent HPV in HIV–positive patients. Smoking cessation: Smoking significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer. Therefore, individuals are encouraged not to smoke. Elimination of high–risk behaviors: Since HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, high–risk sexual behaviors (such as unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners) can increase the risk of developing HPV. Individuals should practice safe sex to reduce the risk of developing HPV.
 |
Learn
